Describes the cognitive pattern of perfectionist thinking and discusses its development. The stages and strategies of group intervention for this pattern are presented. Goals and a general orientation are outlined which include developing self-awareness, recognizing secondary gains, and disrupting the maladaptive cognitive system. (JAC)

More information has led to an ever-increasing sense that things are out of control. A recognition that inability to control is not necessarily a sign of weakness or incompetence could help nourish the emergence of more humane and worthy modes of personal behavior and public regulation. (Author/RM)

Investigated the efficacy of teaching students at-risk for academic failure to deal with school-related stress. High school students were assigned to a coping skills training group, a counselor intervention group, or a control group. The students given coping skills training showed significantly improved social problem-solving ability. (Author)

Explores the strengths and limitations of the continuity perspective on aging. Delineates current usages of the concept. Reviews literature for evidence that continuity is, in fact, characteristic of the aging process and for indications that it is positively related to morale in old age. (Author)

Describes workshops developed to bring awareness of the dual-couple dilemma to students' attention and to teach coping skills for dealing with sources of conflict. Lists myths and facts drawn from interviews with dual-career couples. Describes three structured group exercises and two skill checklists. (RC)

This study sought to discover the relationship between Adult Performance Level (APL) Survey scores and General Educational Development test scores. In Cook County, Illinois, 269 students were examined on both tests; scores were found to be correlated. Author discusses the need for both approaches. (Author/CSS)

Explores the culture of a summer writing course (at the University of Texas) for first-year ethnic minority students that is designed to help induct them gradually into the academic culture and improve retention rate. Observes and records behavior and discourses of the class's African American students. Focuses on learning strategies displayed in…

Describes a seven-step process that uses young adult literature to help teenagers understand and deal with their troubles. Offers brief annotations of five young adult titles in each of nine areas: alienation and identity; divorce; dropouts, delinquency, and gangs; poverty; teenage pregnancy; abused children; alcohol and drugs; homosexuality; and…

This article describes an early morning program for gifted high school students in which, over breakfast, students participated in a poetry workshop as well as more conventional writing lessons. Samples of students' work in response to writing prompts are provided, and the role of the club in helping at-risk students cope with stress and…

Developed measures of preoccupied and avoidant coping to determine whether the measures concurrently relate to adjustment problems. Subjects were 229 children from third through seventh grades. Results indicated that preoccupied and avoidant coping with the mother can contribute to maladjustment in other arenas. Children's adjustment with peers…

High-anger 6-8th graders received cognitive-relaxation coping skills (CRCS), social skills training (SST), or no treatment. Compared to the control, CRCS and SST were equally effective in reducing trait, general, and personal-situational anger and outward negative anger expression, as well as increasing controlled anger expression. Discusses other…

Using a multiethnic sample (African American, Latino, Asian American), examined the degree to which family attachment is related to psychological well-being at the time of college orientation. Analysis suggested that characteristics of secure attachment are negatively associated with psychological symptoms of distress at the time of college entry.…

Stratification and control by a dominant group leave many African American youth feeling powerless, alienated, and angry. A justice-based model of therapy focuses on self-efficacy, personal mastery, competent adaptive behavior, and community-building. The model supports resilience and the group process, and encourages advocating for justice-based…

Examines the various coping strategies that competitive adolescent athletes use to deal with errors, penalties, and unpleasant comments from spectators. Identifies and discusses four coping strategies: avoidance, approach, task-focused, and emotion-focused. Briefly reviews the literature on coping and the results of a survey of Australian…

Details nine tips for teachers assigned to take over a classroom in the middle of school year: be flexible; remember nervousness is natural; achieve effective classroom management; be prepared for paperwork; do not alter a lesson plan to fit that of the previous teacher; expect the unexpected; make friends on the staff; and keep a sense of humor.…